BSM, St. Louis Park Stars Lead Title Pushes

With section playoffs nearing — or in some cases, already underway — here are some Orioles and Red Knights that are helping to lead title pushes, as well as a dance team that just brought home its own trophy:

Benilde-St. Margaret’s dance team

No, this isn’t an athlete of the week, but collectively, these girls are all very deserving. Last Friday, the Knightettes — the team’s fifth championship overall, and third in the last four years. “I am extremely happy,” co-coach Kelly McGinnis told Patch. “We are so proud of these girls. They worked so hard all season and they really gave all of their heart tonight.”

Aaron Ziman, senior guard, St. Louis Park boys basketball

Behind Ziman’s 18 points, the Orioles beat Robbinsdale Cooper last Friday, 77-55. It was St. Louis Park’s 10th conference win of the season, to only three North Suburban losses. The Orioles play St. Francis tonight, then finish the regular season with conference games against Chisago Lakes and Fridley next week.

Isaiah Zierden, junior guard, Benilde-St. Margaret’s boys basketball

Like Ziman, Zierden had an 18-point performance this past week that led his team to a big win. With a commanding 78-48 victory over St. Francis on Tuesday, the Red Knights retained their firm grip on the North Suburban Conference. The team plays Robbinsdale Cooper tonight, then finishes with Totino-Grace and Chisago Lakes next week.

Olivia Antilla, junior guard, Benilde-St. Margaret’s girls basketball

The Red Knights standout had 21 points on Tuesday, as the BSM girls also thumped St. Francis, 77-42. Led by Antilla — who scored her earlier this season — as well as fellow junior Khadijah Shumpert, the defending Class 3A state champs are undefeated in conference play and making another serious push at a state title.

Grant Besse, sophomore forward, Benilde-St. Margaret’s boys hockey

In his team’s opening-round game in the Section 6AA playoffs, Besse tallied four goals, leading the Red Knights to a over Robbinsdale Armstrong. The win sets up a Saturday semifinal match-up between the state’s No. 5 team, BSM, and fourth-ranked Wayzata.

Speaking of all the playoff madness, here are some important dates for local teams looking to make runs at state titles:

• Section 6AAAA boys basketball (St. Louis Park): Tournament begins March 8

•  Section 6AAA girls basketball (Benilde-St. Margaret’s): Tournament begins Tuesday

•  Section 6AAA boys basketball (Benilde-St. Margaret’s): Tournament begins March 8

•  Section 6AA boys hockey (Benilde-St. Margaret’s): Semifinals are on Saturday. Championship game is Wednesday night